Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 boneless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 1 cup bamboo shoots, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Wok or large skillet
- Wooden skewers
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, and water. Set aside.
2. Thread chicken strips onto wooden skewers, alternating with bamboo shoots, red and green bell peppers, onion, and pineapple chunks.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and ginger and sauté for 1 minute.
4. Add chicken skewers and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side or until browned and cooked through.
5. Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the chicken skewers and stir to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium-high heat
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Sugar: 20g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Chicken can be substituted with pork or beef.
- Bamboo shoots can be substituted with water chestnuts or baby corn.
- Pineapple chunks can be substituted with canned mandarin oranges.
Variations:
- Add sliced carrots or zucchini for extra vegetables.
- Use honey instead of brown sugar for a sweeter sauce.
- Add chili flakes for a spicier version.
Tips and tricks:
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning.
- Cut chicken and vegetables into similar sizes for even cooking.
- Don't overcrowd the wok or skillet to ensure the chicken and vegetables cook evenly.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve on a platter with extra sweet and sour sauce on the side.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro.
Garnishes:
- Chopped green onions or cilantro
Pairings:
- Steamed rice or noodles
- Stir-fried vegetables
Suggested side dishes:
- Egg rolls
- Crab Rangoon
- Fried rice
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add more water to thin it out.
- If the chicken is not cooked through, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Food safety advice:
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Food history:
- Bamboo chicken is a popular dish in Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia and Malaysia.
Flavor profiles:
- Sweet and sour with a hint of ginger and garlic.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a main dish for dinner or as an appetizer for a party.
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Region: Chinese